Grading the Steelers rookie class after the 2019 season

The Steelers got some unusually high production out of their rookies in 2019. Here’s a breakdown of how I graded Pittsburgh’s rookie class after their first year.

Often times, teams don’t end up getting a lot of production from their rookie draft class out of the gate. However, the Steelers put several of their picks to good use this season.

Pittsburgh traded up to land linebacker Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick this year, so we all knew he was going to find the field often. But there were other Steelers who found themselves making a big impact this season.

I recently decided to grade each Steelers rookie based on their performances in 2019, and I give an overall grade for Pittsburgh’s draft class at this point in time. Here is what I came up with:

Devin Bush: A

I’ll admit that there were times that Devin Bush looked lost and he wasn’t always the best in coverage this year. However, as one of the youngest players in the NFL, Bush had a solid rookie season that was highlighted with big plays on defense. He showed growth and consistency late in the season, and he has the makings to be one of the best linebackers in the league in the near future.

Diontae Johnson: A+

When you factor in Johnson’s rookie season with where he was drafted (3rd round), it’s hard to believe he could have had the rookie season he did. Johnson led the NFL in yards of separation per route this season, as well as led all rookies in receptions (59). Beginning his career with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges slinging him the ball, I’d say you couldn’t ask for a much better season than what he pulled off.

Justin Layne: C+

I don’t really fault Justin Layne for not seeing the field on defense this season, as Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks were fantastic. Layne, however, made his mark on special teams. He excelled as a gunner and was often the first player down the field on punt coverage. The Steelers have high hopes for him.

Benny Snell: B-

With James Conner often injured, rookie Benny Snell saw more action this season than most anticipated. While he had a few excellent games and finished the season on a high note against the Ravens, he struggled much of the year – failing to earn at least 3.0 yards per carry in 6 games this season. Still, Snell’s performance was respectable – especially from a young 4th round draft choice.

Zach Gentry: F

Despite the Steeler’s lack of depth at the tight end position, Zach Gentry failed to make any sort of impact as a rookie. The raw tight end appeared in just 4 games and caught his lone target for 4 yards. I wasn’t a fan of the Gentry pick last April, and he has done nothing so far to prove that he is going to be a solid contributor for this team.

Isaiah Buggs: D

Isaiah Buggs played sparingly for the Steelers as a rookie, but his presence on the field often went unnoticed. Much like former 6th round draft choice L.T. Walton, Buggs will likely always be a bottom-of-the-roster rotational piece along the defensive line.

Overall grade: B+

Despite not owning a second-round pick after trading up in the draft last year, the Steelers still managed to pull off a respectable draft. Devin Bush flashes unlimited potential, while Diontae Johnson will have a chance to be one of the best receivers in the 2019 draft class. In addition, Benny Snell is proving to be a solid player who can handle the dirty work on the ground, while Justin Layne has done a good job on special teams.

It is too early to properly assess how this draft class will turn out, but so far, all signs are pointing up. Bush and Johnson are going to be very good players. If Layne can eventually become one of Pittsburgh’s top cornerbacks, this could end up being an excellent draft for the Steelers.